X-Ray CT Gantry Detection-Angle Correction for Subject Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems face issues with image orientation mismatch between the subject during imaging and the reconstructed image, leading to potential blurring or extended processing times, particularly in upright and seated imaging orientations.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a gantry body with a correction unit that corrects detection angle information of projection data using a correction amount based on a first reference angle and subject angle, allowing for accurate reconstruction of CT images with aligned subject orientation, regardless of the imaging posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image processing for rotating the reconstructed image is performed to match the orientation of the subject on the image with the orientation of the subject at the time of imaging, then the orientation alignment is improved, but image blurring occurs or processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by correcting the detection angle information during the data acquisition phase rather than performing rotation processing after image reconstruction. The correction unit adjusts the detection angle based on the subject's actual orientation before the reconstruction unit processes the data, thereby preventing orientation mismatch from occurring in the first place and eliminating the need for time-consuming post-reconstruction rotation processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical image rotation processing approach with a data correction approach. Instead of rotating the reconstructed image mechanically (which causes blurring and time delay), the system corrects the detection angle information at the data level, substituting a computational correction method for a mechanical processing method.
2Measurement precision
If image processing for rotating the reconstructed image is performed to match the orientation of the subject on the image with the orientation of the subject at the time of imaging, then the orientation alignment is improved, but image blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by correcting the detection angle information during the data acquisition phase rather than performing rotation processing after image reconstruction. The correction unit adjusts the detection angle based on the subject's actual orientation before the reconstruction unit processes the data, thereby preventing orientation mismatch from occurring in the first place and eliminating the need for time-consuming post-reconstruction rotation processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical image rotation processing approach with a data correction approach. Instead of rotating the reconstructed image mechanically (which causes blurring and time delay), the system corrects the detection angle information at the data level, substituting a computational correction method for a mechanical processing method.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry body and processor. The gantry body supports an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and a data acquisition unit to be rotatable about a central axis of a bore. The X-ray tube generates X-rays, the X-ray detector detects X-rays generated by the X-ray tube and passing through a subject, and the data acquisition circuitry acquires projection data via the X-ray detector. The processor corrects detection angle information of the projection data in accordance with a correction amount based on a first reference angle in a rotation direction of the X-ray tube and a subject angle determining an orientation of the subject in the bore. The processor reconstructs a CT image relating to the subject based on the projection data and the corrected detection angle information.